Under the Accelerated Energy Program (AEP), Massachusetts state facilities have taken huge strides toward making Commonwealth operations more efficient. Then Commissioner Mark Sylvia of the Department of Energy Resources (now EEA’s Undersecretary of Energy) joined Mass Military Division’s Colonel Timothy Mullen at the Pittsfield Armory in late Spring to celebrate the completion of efficiency projects at the armory that have resulted in remarkable energy savings. Energy measures implemented at the site include improved lighting, high efficiency motors, HVAC controls and energy management system upgrades. Under AEP, the Commonwealth is investing over $12 million at 29 state facilities throughout the Berkshires.

The Accelerated Energy Program is an effort being spearheaded by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and DOER to initiate energy efficiency efforts at 700 state sites over 700 days before the end of 2014. Total energy efficiency investment will be more than $400 million statewide, reducing annual energy costs by close to $40 million and decreasing state government GHG emissions by 135,000 metric tons.

The event was kicked off by Colonel Mullen who, addressing an audience of proud military members and project partners, emphasized the Mass. Military Division’s commitment to energy efficiency. As just one of 39 Military facilities across the Commonwealth undergoing retrofits under the AEP, the Pittsfield Armory is a shining example of this commitment. The $90,000 investment made there is projected to reduce the Armory’s energy consumption and GHG emissions by 58%, sufficient savings for earning it an AEP Certified Plus designation. A Certified Plus designation is reserved for facilities that achieve at least a 50% reduction in two of three categories: GHG emissions, energy consumption and energy costs. Hope Davis of DCAMM joined Commissioner Sylvia in presenting Military representatives with a certificate commemorating this remarkable achievement.

Members of the Mass Military Division give ceremony attendees a tour the Pittsfield Armory to see the completed efficiency projects

In addition to celebrating the completion of the project at the armory, event speakers recognized the overall energy investment being made at state facilities throughout the Berkshires. “The partnership between DOER and DCAMM is yielding significant results for state agencies and helping us meet the Commonwealth’s energy, environmental and economic goals,” said Sylvia. “The AEP investment of more than $12 million in the Berkshires is taking a serious bite out of electricity and natural gas use, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.”

A wide range of state facilities in the Berkshires are undergoing retrofits as part of AEP, including courthouses, community colleges, offices, transportation depots and police stations. Collectively, these projects will reduce electricity use by more than 2 million kWh each year and natural gas consumption by more than 130,000 therms. Greenhouse gas emissions will also be reduced by 1,860 metric tons annually, equivalent to removing 388 cars from the road.

Two additional state facilities were also presented with certificates for having projects resulting in significant energy savings: the Berkshire County House of Correction and the Pittsfield Trial Court.

Of course, no project celebration would be complete without recognizing our Mass Save® partners, who are integral to the success of these projects throughout the Commonwealth. Northeast Utilities and Berkshire Gas will contribute more than $17,000 in incentives to the armory project. Joseph Arruda, a representative of Northeast Utilities, joined the festivities and highlighted the importance of this partnership.

Jillian DiMedio is the non-building energy efficiency coordinator on the Leading by Example team at DOER. This $15 million low-interest loan program is aimed at increasing efficiency within state operations. She holds an M.A. in Environmental Policy and an M.B.A. from Clark University and is passionate about efficiency and innovative financing for clean energy. Outside the office, Jillian enjoys travel and simple living, recently combining both passions while exploring Latin America in an Astro van.

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